36M with $2.2M portfolio — should I learn options for income or stick with buy & hold?

Hi everyone,

I’m 36 and have never traded options before, but I’m interested in learning more about them, especially strategies like selling puts and selling covered calls. Won't of course use them till I learn properly about them.

My current situation:

- Portfolio: around $2.2M USD

- Allocation: 90% VT (Vanguard Total World) / 10% IBIT (Bitcoin ETF)

- Still working, but I would like to quit my job relatively soon and live off my portfolio

- My target spending would be around $4k/month, which should allow me to live very comfortably

I’m trying to understand whether adding options strategies makes sense in my situation.

For example:

- Selling cash-secured puts on VT (I plan on holding this forever and keep buying more) to potentially buy at lower prices while collecting premium

- Selling covered calls to generate additional income

- Using options as a way to create cash flow instead of simply selling shares

My concern is whether options would actually improve my long term outcome or just add complexity and risk compared to a simple buy and hold strategy with a withdrawal plan.

Given my portfolio size and goal of financial independence, would you:

1. Stick with 90% VT / 10% BTC and just withdraw periodically?

2. Learn options and use them conservatively for extra income?

3. Adjust the portfolio structure before considering options?

Would appreciate perspectives from people who have experience using options for FIRE/early retirement.